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At Shopify, over a million independent businesses, from a variety of industries and walks of life, create their own version of change through commerce.
Here’s a list of Shopify stores that supply a jolt of inspiration for those who are on the journey of building their own business. These businesses are creating change by turning trash into fabrics, preserving heritage variety of crops, developing cult-favorite beauty products, eliminating single-use items, and so much more. Check out these stores and see how businesses are using their products and services to express who they are and what they believe in, while building for the future.
1. Partake Foods
When Denise Woodard couldn’t find healthy snacks for her daughter, Vivane, that were also allergy friendly, she founded Partake Foods. Partake offers cookies in flavors like chocolate chip, birthday cake, and ginger snaps that are school safe and free of the top 8 allergens as well as artificial colors, preservatives, and genetically modified ingredients.
2. Uppercase magazine
For over a decade, Uppercase magazine has offered interesting articles and photos focused on craft, fashion, illustration, and design, all wrapped up in a beautifully printed package. Creator and editor Janine Vangool uses her platform to feature fellow creators and, since launching in 2009, has expanded the publication to include Little U, a tiny magazine for the young and young at heart, and Encyclopedia, a series of books that deep dive on topics like ceramics, quilting, and printmaking.
3. Hiut Denim Co.
Hiut Denim is based in Cardigan, Wales, a town that, until 2002, was home to the biggest jeans factory in the United Kingdom Hiut Denim was founded in 2011 to take advantage of the jean-making skills and knowhow that remained with many locals, showcase their dedication to craft and bring manufacturing back to Cardigan. Dedicated to making the best jeans, not the most jeans, Hiut Denim focuses on details, satisfaction, and quality.
4. Manitobah Mukluks
Founded by Métis entrepreneur Sean McCormick in 1997 and based in Manitoba, Canada, Manitobah Mukluks keeps and celebrates Indigenous traditions through footwear. Its Storyboot Project collection is made in partnership with Indigenous elders and artisans. On the flip side, to make its footwear accessible to more people, there are also lines made internationally.
5. Package Free
Package Free founder and CEO Lauren Singer is on a mission to make the world less trashy by selling beauty and household items that come package free. Lauren lives a zero waste lifestyle and has dedicated her life and business to creating less wasteful consumer behaviors. Her 2015 Tedx Talk generated millions of views discussed how to have a zero-waste lifestyle and showcased her 16-oc. Mason jar containing three years’ worth of trash.
6. Flourist
Much like a charming flower shop, Flourist showcases each of its grains, beans, and freshly milled flours like a fresh blooming bouquet. Flourist sells 100% traceable and freshly stone-milled flours and dried goods, and offers pages on its website dedicated to telling more about the farmers it works with. The store is a haven for baking enthusiasts—sourcing ingredients from Flourist is an exploration in the difference of freshly milled flours and heritage grains.
7. Allbirds
Footballer Tim Brown and engineer Zoey Zwillinger are the cofounders behind Allbirds, a footwear company that puts natural materials and sustainability first. Allbirds is a merge of comfort and consciousness, with threads made from wool and eucalyptus, simple designs, and packaging made from 90% post-consumer recycled cardboard.
8. Naja
Founded by designer Catalina Girald and Golden Globe-winning actress Gina Rodriguez, Naja makes inclusive undergarments in multiple nude colors to match every shade of skin tone. The company employs single mothers and female heads of households to empower women through employment. Naja also gives 2% of its sales to support sewing programs at local foundations.
9. United by Blue
United By Blue removes a pound of trash from the ocean and waterways for each product sold. The apparel and home goods company founded by Brian Linton incorporates sustainability through all areas of its operation. United By Blue is committed to ending the use of single-use plastics like poly bags, bubble wrap sleeves, and plastic tape. It also hosts organized cleanups, allowing customers to get involved with the company’s mission without even making a purchase.
10. Bailly…
